ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of Sociology)

WARNING

1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENT(S) BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM OTHER(S) AS ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN “AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY”.

Course: Introduction to Sociology (9410) Semester: Spring, 2025

Level: BS

Please read the following instructions for writing your assignments. (AD, BS, B.Ed. MA/MSc, MEd) (ODL Mode).

1. All questions are compulsory and carry equal marks but within a question the marks are distributed according to its requirements.

2. Read the question carefully and then answer it according to the requirements of the questions.

3. Avoid irrelevant discussion/information and reproducing from books, study guide or allied material.

4. Handwritten scanned assignments are not acceptable.

5. Upload your typed (in Word or PDF format) assignments on or before the due date.

6. Your own analysis and synthesis will be appreciated.

7. Late assignments can’t be uploaded at LMS.

8. The students who attempt their assignments in Urdu/Arabic may upload a scanned copy of their handwritten assignments (in PDF format) on University LMS. The size of the file should not exceed 5MB.

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

(Units: 1–4)

Q. 1 Discuss the key characteristics that make sociology a unique discipline within the social sciences. Also, discuss the contributions of early sociologists (e.g., Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Max Weber) to the development of sociology. How did their work shape the subject's subject matter and scope? (20)

Q. 2 In what ways do cultural norms and values influence human behavior, and how can these norms be challenged or changed? (20)

Q. 3 What are the processes involved in the formation of societies? Highlight the key characteristics of society and discuss the evolution of societies with examples. (20)

Q. 4 Discuss the concept of "social interaction" and explain how it shapes individual behavior. What role do symbols and language play in social interactions? (20)

Q. 5 Provide brief notes on the following topics: (10+10)

i. Components of Culture

ii. Body Language, Facial Expression, and Physical Proximity

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 2

(Units: 5–9)

Q. 1 Explain Max Weber’s concept of the "ideal type" of bureaucracy. What are its key features, and how do these features manifest in contemporary organizations? (20)

Q. 2 What are the main structural factors that contribute to social stratification? Discuss how education, occupation, and income inequality perpetuate social hierarchies. (20)

Q. 3 Explain how socialization impacts the construction of gender identity. How do societal expectations regarding gender roles influence an individual’s development of their gender identity? Explain with sociological perspectives. (20)

Q. 4 Compare and contrast Durkheim's and Merton's theories on deviance. How do their views differ regarding the function of deviant behaviour in society? (20)

Q. 5 Write brief notes on the following topics: (10+10)

i. Social Groups

ii. Social Inequality

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